I've had my turntables for most of a year now, which I had obtained used. The needles are crappy Numark needles that came with the decks (TT-100's). Now, I'm considering buying new needles but would like to know what are the general criteria for knowing "when" new needles are "due"?

Right now, they crackle a little, and during breakdowns, where there is little sound, you can definitely hear the crackling. During the actual music, though, the crackle is not noticeable. I'm wondering how much damage the needles could cause to my vinyl - in fact I don't know how long they have been "in use" (I don't know when the original owner purchased them) so the only criterion I have is the crackling.

I have the Stanton stylus cleaning kit and apply it from time to time - it doesn't help the crackling.

Should I wait until the crackling gets really bad? On the other hand, would this mean greater vinyl weardown?

Thanks for any input.

Stop being a lazy sack of shit and buy some new needles.

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Trance...a state of mind.

lol

true

get some ortofons

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this is it.

I think if a needle is very worn, it wont hold a groove as well when cueing. I dunno if thats tru though

i just got a pair of ortofon nightclubs at www.sixstardj.com a few a weeks ago...they sound great and the site seems to have nice prices... i didnt get the ellipticals though since they didnt have them at the moment but ill eventually switch...the prices were just so good i didnt really mind especially for a set that came with an extra stylus

if you wanna know about damage and stuff i found out alot from http://www.pcmusic.co.za/archive/20...edles/index.php
keep in mind that most people have their own opinion...but i still learned alot about needles here. [i know im a dork for actually finding this but hey...its education : P]

quote:

Originally posted by DjJade if you wanna know about damage and stuff i found out alot from http://www.pcmusic.co.za/archive/20...edles/index.php keep in mind that most people have their own opinion...but i still learned alot about needles here. [i know im a dork for actually finding this but hey...its education : P]

Great link!! Some good info on there!

Thanks everyone for the replies!

And that link is phenomenal, kudos to DjJade.

quote:

Originally posted by fzrr Great link!! Some good info on there!

Info on that site scares the bejeeberz out of me. MY Precious collection!!!!

Update:

Well, I finally replced my needles. Trashed the crappy old Audiotechnica ones (I just recently found out the brand name), and opted to get the Stanton 680 EL-II. A little pricey, but definitely cheaper than any Ortofon Concordes... which were horrendously expensive.. I was shocked!

Anyway, now I'm thinking, "What was I waiting for??" The Stantons sound so much better than my old needles. Being elliptical, the frequency pick-up is greater, and I'm hearing little details in tracks (barely noticeable) that I didn't hear before. Another huge bonus is the bass - it sounds a lot fuller, and doesn't distort when I increase it through my mixer! Previously, increasing the bass would create this farting noise through my speakers, but now I just hear clean, fuller bass when I do the same thing.

So if you want awesome sound and minimal record wear, I recommend considering the 680 EL-II's. If you're not such a buff for the record wear (and on a budget), then go a step down for the Stanton 500 AL II (spherical tip), which are essentially half the price. (!)

Hi, I bought same Stanton Cartridges, but I find The sound Too Crispy, do u have the same felling?, some times the Bass is a little low, well.. the bass were Stronger with my old Pickering Cartridges.

later, Let me know